NSW Tourism to benefit from new tourism/events body

NSW Tourism will benefit from the stronger focus on tourism and events under the one, autonomous body of Destination NSW, as announced in the Coalition Government's Tourism Policy, according to Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Managing Director, Felicia Mariani.

In congratulating The Hon. George Souris on his new role as NSW Tourism, Major Events & Hospitality Minister, Mariani said ATEC was pleased the O'Farrell Government planned to act swiftly, putting in place key policy actions during it's the first 100 days in office.
Mariani stated "ATEC was involved in various consultations with the Coalition during its policy development stage and we feel confident the new government understands the priorities of the sector.

"Key announcements, including an additional $40 million to support Destination NSW, additional funds for regional tourism and the construction of a new Convention Centre for Sydney, are all good steps towards increasing inbound tourism to NSW.

"NSW has long had a need for an overhaul of our major tourism infrastructure as we have seen Sydney slip from its dominant position as the leading Australian host city for major international business events."

Mariani said the two-speed tourism economy across Australia was having a significant effect on the tourism industry outside of Sydney and a focus on regional tourism opportunities must deliver real outcomes for these areas.

"The $5 million funding announced during the election for the development of tourism products is important, but this money must be tied to specific regional outcomes in order for us to arrest the decline in regional tourism in NSW.

"Creating new, high quality tourism experiences in regional NSW is critical to ensuring both international and local tourists are enticed to look further than our capital cities and spread the tourism dollar across the state."

Mariani also called on the Government to invest a portion of this funding into developing and/or revising 'Destination Management Plans' for each of the regions.

"It's vital we take this opportunity to develop regional tourism plans that will create real and lasting benefits for regional operators, allowing them to maximise excess demand in Sydney for the benefit of regional areas."

Mariani paid tribute to the outgoing Tourism Minister, Jodi McKay, who implemented significant changes to the tourism industry. As Minister for Tourism, she was successful in securing a substantial increase in the budget for Tourism New South Wales, setting the State on a course for improved performance over the past several years.

"We congratulate (Minister) Ms McKay on her contribution to tourism in NSW and thank her for her commitment to the industry.

"ATEC looks forward to a strong and collaborative relationship with (Minister) Souris and is ready to work closely with the Minister and his Department in these important formative days of implementing their tourism policy for NSW."

Former NRL Chief Operating Officer Graham Annesley has been appointed NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation while Kevin Humphries has been named NSW Minister for Healthy Lifestyles.

For more information go to www.atec.net.au

Image: Sydney Harbour National Park.

11th February 2011 - NEW FUNDING TO BOOST NSW TOURISM